Q: Can I drive a UK registered car in Spain?
A: YES! in fact many of our vehicles are UK registered and the law in Spain states that you can use your EU (Non Spanish) registered vehicle legally for any 6 month period within any 12 month period, obviously it is almost impossible for the Spanish Authorities to know when the vehicle was first used in Spain and so the Police take a very relaxed view! We have realised that driving a UK plated vehicle has many advantages. We have been stopped for routine checks at various times whilst living on the Costa del Sol and Spain in general and have NEVER had any problems/fines/arguments what so ever.
Q: Is there a way around the Import Duty or Tax?
A: Once a car has been in your name for a minimum of 6 months you can then apply to import it as your own personal vehicle and thus avoid the 15% import duty.
Q: How do I know your cars are OK?
A: All our cars are checked thoroughly, Hpi for the UK registered cars and our Spanish registered cars are also checked for outstanding finance, embargoes and legality. All come with documented evidence
Q: What do I have to do if I choose a Spanish registered car?
A: You will need an NIE number and an address in Spain to be able to register a Spanish plated car in your name and there is a 4% transfer tax which has to be paid at the time of purchase.
Q: What about insurance, can I insure a UK registered car in Spain?
A: Yes you certainly can...and about 30% cheaper than in the UK! There are many Insurance Brokers on the coast who specialise in insuring UK plated cars with no problems at all, we can supply numbers for several brokers and companies should you need them.
Q: What about the MOT?
A: Regarding MOT's or the Spanish equivalent ITV again there is no problem with EU or UK plated cars as Insurers will accept a current ITV as legal proof of road worthiness the same as the UK MOT. A UK registered car can have an ITV (MOT) carried out in spain just the same as a Spanish registered car.
Q: What about UK Road Tax (RFL)?
A: Road fund license (Road Tax) again is not a problem as you are legally entitled to make a "statutory off road notice" or SORN (basically stating that your UK plated vehicle is not on UK roads). This can even be done On-line through the DVLA website. http://direct.gov.uk/Motoring/OwningAVehicle/UntaxedVehicle/UntaxedVehicleArticles/fs/en?CONTENT_ID=4022058&chk=LT7VlS
Q: What is the advantage of a UK registered car...if any?
A: You will see many, many UK and other EU plated cars driving around in Spain ..... and for good reason... very little hassle from the authorities, no parking tickets, no speeding fines from cameras and no expensive taxes to pay to register or transfer the vehicle on Spanish plates.
Q: What if I would just rather register the car on Spanish plates?
A: If you do decide that you want your vehicle to be on Spanish plates we have a very good Gestoria who can guide you through the system or we can handle the whole thing for you for just the costs involved.
For more information contact us for a free FACT SHEET with all the information you need to know!